UK to join NATO operation strengthening eastern flank after Russian drone incursions

The UK will join NATO efforts to strengthen its eastern flank after Russia sent drones into Polish airspace this week.

NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte said on Friday that military activity under "Eastern Sentry" would begin in the coming days and involve assets from the UK, along with allies including France and Germany. 

"In addition to more traditional military capabilities, this effort will also feature elements designed to address the specific challenges associated with the use of drones," Mr. Rutte said.

The operation will strengthen NATO’s posture and add flexibility to its approach, he said.

A Ministry of Defence spokesperson said: "The UK is fully committed to playing our part in NATO’s Eastern Sentry following the reckless and dangerous airspace violations by Russia.

"We will provide further details on the UK Armed Forces contribution soon."

The move by the defence alliance comes after Russian drones that violated Polish airspace were shot down by Poland and NATO on Tuesday night.

Defence Secretary John Healey said earlier this week he had tasked the military with exploring how the UK can help strengthen NATO’s air defense over Poland.

Until July, six RAF Typhoon jets were operating from Poland as part of NATO’s air policing mission – a task shared among the alliance members, he said. 

On Friday, the UK announced a series of 100 sanctions targeting Moscow’s military and energy sectors as Yvette Cooper visited Kyiv for her first overseas visit in her new role as Foreign Secretary.

She said: "The UK will not stand idly by as (Russian President Vladimir) Putin continues his barbaric invasion of Ukraine. His complete disregard for sovereignty has been shown this week when he recklessly sent drones into NATO airspace.

"International action to increase economic pressure on Russia and to cut off critical cash flows, which he desperately needs to pay for this illegal war, is vital."

Ms. Cooper was later asked if she would urge Donald Trump to adopt similar sanctions when he visits the UK for a state visit next week.

"We will, of course, be discussing the economic pressure that we need on Russia.

"Of course, we will talk about the continued security issues that we have discussed with the US, with other countries over a long period of time, and that partnership, that relationship, is incredibly important," she told ITV.

Among the companies impacted by the UK sanctions are firms that supply Russia with equipment such as electronics, chemicals, and explosives used to manufacture missiles and other weapons.

They also target 70 ships involved in Mr. Putin’s "shadow fleet" operation, responsible for illicitly carrying cargo since the start of the war in Ukraine.

On Sunday, Moscow carried out its largest aerial attack on Ukraine since the war began, an assault that struck a key government building in Kyiv for the first time.

Ms. Cooper will visit the damaged building, known as the cabinet of ministers, as well as residential buildings destroyed by Russia’s attacks, the Foreign Office said.